Saturday, November 26, 2011

So, are you ready for Christmas projects? Some years the answer for me is "not yet" other years it's "wait, it's December?" This year, for some reason, I'm raring to go! After a full day of prep, eating, family-hosting and clean-up on Thanksgiving, I should have gone right to my bed. Instead, I suddenly had a quilt in mind that I was dying to pull together so I stayed up and cut the whole thing. I can't wait to see it come together. (I paid the next day - I was pooped! But my project is patiently waiting for me to return. Maybe tonight?)

This is a little project that came together so fast today. A mini bunting made with my felt scraps from the felt circles pillow last year. It's so cute and came together so quickly - I used red & white baker's twine to string the pennants together.

I think that one of the reasons I am so excited about Christmas projects is thanks to Stitch Craft Create. At the Sewing Summit, Vanessa handed out copies of this magazine as part of her photography class.

It's such a beautiful magazine and it is FULL of ideas for Christmas projects - decor, gifts, and all around cuteness. My girls love pouring over it as well. Our copy is dog-eared all over the place.
This velvet ribbon rose is another project from the magazine. I plan to finish it and make it into a Chrismas broach. Did I mention how many projects there are that I want to make?

Like these felt roses? So when Stitch Craft Create offered to send magazines to giveaway to my readers, I said, "heck yeah!" Really - this magazine is so inspiring and full of SO many great ideas. But even if you don't make a single one, you will enjoy it for the eye candy! So if you'd like a copy leave a comment. Giveaway open until Wednesday, November 30 at midnight (MST). I'll randomly select three commenters so that I can get these out to you asap for that Christmas inspiration. WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT THE BOTTOM OF POST. If you can't wait, you can find the Stitch Craft Create on most newstands at craft and bookstores or you can order directly from SCC.

Are you a crazy shopper during the weekend after Thanksgiving? Call me a party pooper, but I tend to avoid the mall/Walmart/etc. like the plague during all the Black Friday sales. Thank goodness for online deals. :) And since today is Small Business Saturday you can find great quilting deals AND feel good supporting small businesses at some of these online fabric shops:

I'm not sure I really need more projects to work on. Just kidding! I could always squeeze in a few more :) I almost never shop on Black Friday. One year I did, lived to survive, but have no desire to do that again. I do admire those that brave the crowds and come away from the experience with great bargains.

175 comments:

Thank you for this lovely giveaway offer. I have bee trying to cut back on my spending, but have browsed a number of magazines while in line at Joann's. This one looks great. I really like your bunting, and the rose broach and felt roses look nice. I avoided the whole Black Friday mess and stayed home and sewed/quilted. I did order one item I've been looking for on sale at Burgundy Buttons-- they're having a great sale! Looking forward to seeing your Christmas quilt!

This looks like a fun book! Thanks for the chance to win one. :) I have four small children, so a lot of Christmas ideas get "filed away" for later years. I'd love to have a copy of this little idea book!

Love your little bunting. The magazine looks great. Thanks for the chance to win it.Oh, and thanks for the links to some of the sales going on this weekend. The only store I went to on Black Friday was a little local yarn shop - supporting a small business a day early, I guess.

Hmmmm, I am feeling a bit shafted as I was at said photography course with Vanessa and did not get a magazine! It looks wonderful. Maybe I will get lucky here. If not, I probably don't need more on my insurmountable to-do list anyhow ;)

I'm not sure I really need more projects to work on. Just kidding! I could always squeeze in a few more :) I almost never shop on Black Friday. One year I did, lived to survive, but have no desire to do that again. I do admire those that brave the crowds and come away from the experience with great bargains.

Ooooh...I love playing with felt...cut a bunch of little goodies out yesterday!:) I wanted to make my MIL a "Happy Birthday" bunting to replace the cardboard one she uses....FELT...perfect idea!:) Thanks!I would LOVE to win one of those magazines!:)

That magazine looks so fun! I too,am trying to avoid shopping this weekend. I've been tempted several times with the fabric deals, but my goal for the rest of this year (and beyond?) is to use the fabric I have. Maybe I'm the only one with this problem, but "Why is it so much easier to buy?"

I've been busy reorganizing my sewing room and found some Christmas fabric, but I'm not in the mood yet, so I hope I win your giveaway...I need some inspiration! Glad you had a nice end to your Thanksgiving...I had a little sewing time too and gave thanks for a patient fiancée!

Always love your projects! I'm needing to start and/or wrap up a few projects for Christmas. I did get my wreath made though :) I would love to win a copy of the project magazine! Thank you for always having such wonderful give-aways!

I already see some projects that I'd love to make from that magazine. And yes I avoid the shopping over this weekend if I can help it. Too many years of working retail soured me to the craziness that happens.

I love having a sit down with a new magazine, it's almost like a obsessions I think. I've had to stop going to Barnes and Nobles so often because it does get too costly. Some mags. now cost the same as a book! Love the op to win, thanks and have a lovely Sunday!

Hi Amy.I too received that magazine (so don't put me in the give a way). Oh goodness, it is just packed with pretty ideas. I am the same way. No thanks on the black Friday shopping craze. Would rather be home decorating our tree with my family. Plus I am just not a real big shopper to begin with. Love online deals! Especially when they come to your door. :o)Have a great day and get some rest. Can't wait to see your quilt!love ya. Trish

I usually don't catch the Christmas spirit until December hits, but this year my daughter has been listening to Michael Buble's new Christmas cd since early November. I guess it drove me to an early holiday mood. I put away the Autumn quilt (...I was hoping to finish it before Thanksgiving!...) and pulled the Christmas stash and WIPS out of the closet. I'd love a copy of the magazine so I can add even more chaos to this most wonderful time of the year!

I never noticed this magazine before - how can that be??? I love the Christmas trees on the front cover. They'd be perfect in my dining room! And the velvet rose is soooo pretty. What a fun Christmas brooch!! Thanks for the chance to win.Nancy L.gnlenhardt@juno.com

I had not seen this particular magazine last time I was at the store, looks like a lot of fun projects to add to what I would like to make THIS year LOL! Love your mini bunting too! Thanks for the give-away!

Look forward to receiving your posts on facebook. Since being forced to retire early because of illness, there is little money left over for quilting books and magazines. This looks like a fun one and I am trying to make more presents this year for kids and grandkids. Would love to win this magazine. Thank you for the chance. Happy days to you.calabella@msn.com

I am SO much in need of inspiration! I purchased a sewing magazine just the other day to use my coupon & was hoping to jump start my urge to delve into the projects that will make others happy. I would so very love this magazine so I can make a few of the projects & mark items off my christmas list . . . . Thanks for being so very generous

Oh wow, that magazine looks AWESOME! I've never seen it in any of the stores around here, so I would love to win one. I am loving Christmas crafting this year, but I could definitely use some inspiration. :)

What a fun magazine! I absolutely adore the trees on the cover & would love to make them with the aqua & red color combo I have seen at Pleasant Home. My daughter (12)wants to be a fashion designer and has her eye on the ribbon rose.Thanks for sharing I'm with you, much rather shop online and visit the small independent shops in our quaint New England town :)

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